Financial risk analyst

A financial risk analyst identifies and analyses potential risks threatening the financial position of commercial and industrial corporations and public/private organisations.

Financial risk analysts generally specialise in one of four risk categories: credit, market, regulatory or operational. Risk analysts must keep track of developments in the economy alongside financial assessments to identify any repercussions or implications for their clients. Once they have identified potential risks, they recommend strategies to avoid or minimise them. Clients require daily monitoring of risks to their assets, credit and business status. Typical employers are financial institutions, though self-employment is also possible.

Work activities

Analysing and anticipating market trends.

Conducting research to assess risks.

Calculating risks involved in transactions and business proposals.

Using statistical computer programmes.

Formulating contingency plans.

Recommending precautionary or improvement measures.

Work conditions

Travel: work is typically office based, though may require some travel within the working day when visiting other branches or organisations.
Working hours: are office hours with some overtime.
Location: vacancies are available in most cities in the Republic of Ireland, including Dublin, Cork and Galway. Northern Ireland has positions in cities. Some positions abroad exist with multinational companies.

Entry requirements

Potentially open to all degree disciplines, though employers tend to prefer numerate and business-related subjects. Postgraduate degrees may aid career development and are offered by institutions such as University College Cork, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and Queen's University Belfast. Relevant work experience in finance is essential.